JAPAN says it is committed to more ‘sustainable development’ with Africa as it pursues to make itself a relevant and different partner from other world powers seeking a slice of the continent.
Last week, Japan hosted foreign ministers from around the continent for the 9th ministerial meeting under the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (Ticad-9).
The meeting in Tokyo, as is tradition, was held in predation for the Ninth summit to be held in August 2025 in Yokohama. Ticad was began 31 years ago to help built a forum for discussions on African development.
Since then, however, more world powers have come forth with their versions of summits, including China, US, India, Russia, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, France, Italy and the UK.
Last week, Japan repeated its call of previous years; that it will not exploit Africa, that it will push for Africa’s representation at the high tables, including at the UN Security Council where it lacks a permanent seat. But it faces a trade deficit in its favour, an issue African leaders have often spoken about.
Some ministers acknowledged Japan’s role in developing Africa but argued global changes mean the two sides must adjust their collaboration.
Musalia Mudavadi, Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs said such collaboration should prioritise employment opportunities for the growing youth population, advance agricultural development, foster trade, and drive digital transformation – areas crucial for promoting inclusive and sustainable growth.
“I proposed the integration of funding and technology in agriculture to enhance the sector’s resilience to climate change.
He further stressed the importance of addressing the issues faced by youth and women from a south –south cooperation perspective,” Mr Mudavadi, said after the meeting in Tokyo.
Kenya, one of the most indebted countries, in Africa has been campaigning for a re-evaluation of the global financial architecture, including in lending institutions like the world Bank and the International Monetary Fund, to which Japan is an influential member, and often operates in a group of lenders called the Paris Club. Mudavadi repeated the same call in Japan.
